Effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for common sports injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v74.118183Keywords:
Effectiveness, Rehabilitation, OutcomesAbstract
Background: Injuries related to sports are very common among athletes; they result in functional impairments and require a long recovery duration. Rehabilitation programs have a potential role in facilitating return to sports. Several rehabilitation modalities, including balance training, strength training, and hop-based exercises, have been studied extensively, but their effectiveness remains debated. The objective of this analysis was to assess the effectiveness of different rehabilitation programs for common lower limb injuries (LLIs).
Methods: This work analyzed the data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) obtained from peer-reviewed journals. Eligible trials were those that reported rehabilitation interventions for LLIs and assessed functional performance, balance, and strength outcomes. The I² statistics were used to estimate the heterogeneity, whereas the random-effect tool was applied for the meta-analysis.
Results: Balance training considerably improved Y-Balance Test (YBT) scores (p < 0.001), especially in posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances. Substantial improvements in performance were discovered based on Hop-based modality, where the subjects who underwent reconstruction experienced potential improvements in triple and single tests(p < 0.001). Neuromuscular control was enhanced through the implementation of strength interventions, with remarkable improvement in hip abduction and strength of external rotation (p < 0.001). The studies of balance training revealed a heterogeneity (I² = 95.6%), which suggested variability in adherence, duration, and intensity of the intervention.
Conclusion: Rehabilitation programs for Common Sports Injuries resulted in the most effective functional recovery outcomes for lower limb sports injuries.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ibrahim Eissa J Alfaifi, Yahya Qassim S Alfaifi, Sulaiman M Albargi, Fahad Ghazi Alharbi, Abdulqader Abdulrazaq Almutairi, Nour A. Alghorayed, Rakan Abdullah M Alwabel
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